Gaelic Sunday celebrations in Meelin

MEELIN GAA will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Gaelic Sunday this Sunday, August 5, in Meelin village and at the local GAA grounds, from 11.45am.

In 1918, under British rule, the authorities tried to crackdown on all public gatherings, including GAA matches. Written permission had to be sought for all matches at the time, and granted, otherwise they were considered an illegal activity. The GAA not only objected but they decided to defy the order and hold a match in every parish in Ireland at precisely the same time, 3pm on Sunday, August 4.

The protest was far more successful than could ever have been imagined and an estimated 54,000 players participated in games throughout Ireland, with over 100,000 watching across the entire island. It all ran entirely without major incident and forced the abandonment of the requirement to seek a license to play a GAA match.

This became one of the most remarkable and significant days in the history of the GAA, and will be forever remembered as Gaelic Sunday - the day when the GAA peacefully stood against the British Empire, and won (see more on www.gaa.ie).

In Meelin, organisers are asking everyone that would like to take part in the commemoration/ celebrations to meet in Meelin village square immediately after Mass and march from the square to the GAA grounds. From there it’s a ‘La na gClub’ from 12md, including small hurling games for ages 6 upwards. Adult players will play alongside juvenile players, there will be long puck competition, shooting through tyres, face painting and other fun elements.

Organisers are also aiming for a history/ discussion talk around this commemoration during the celebration. Keep an eye on the Meelin GAA Facebook page for more details as Sunday draws closer.